Yamamoto continues torrid start, leads Marlins to shutout of Cards

ST. LOUIS — In his first two starts, Saint Louis School graduate Jordan Yamamoto has done things that have been accomplished once, or not at all, in the past century.

It’s been a dream debut for the 23-year-old rookie from Hawaii, who was acquired by the Marlins in the Christian Yelich trade and summoned from Double-A to the majors earlier this month.

Yamamoto dazzled again on Tuesday, matching his first career start by pitching seven scoreless innings against St. Louis, and Miami beat the Cardinals 6-0.

Yamamoto (2-0) allowed two hits, struck out seven and walked two. He gave up three hits in seven innings in his major league debut, on June 12 in Miami against the Cardinals.

“Definitely, I haven’t imagined this,” Yamamoto said. “It’s one of those things a kid can only dream of and it just worked out perfectly in my favor.”

Yamamoto became only the second starting pitcher since 1893 to hold the same team scoreless in his first two outings, joining Atlanta’s Larry McWilliams, who did it in 1978 against the Mets.

He’s also the first pitcher since Pittsburgh’s Nick Maddox in 1907 to beat the Cardinals twice in a seven-day span when the first game was his debut.

“No, I have not heard of him,” Yamomoto said. “I’m happy to be in his company.”

Relievers Tayron Guerrero and Sergio Romo completed the two-hitter. The Cardinals were shut out for the fifth time this season and second time by Miami.

“Obviously seeing a team twice is a battle (against) an older club like that that’s got some experience,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “It’s good to see him … do that both times.”

Brian Anderson and Starlin Castro homered for the Marlins.

Jack Flaherty (4-4) pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out eight, and had St. Louis’ first hit off Yamamoto, a ground-rule double in the third. It was the first extra-base hit of his career.

Dexter Fowler singled with two outs in the seventh for the other St. Louis hit. Yamamoto concluded his strong night by striking out Yadier Molina.

“They’re a great hitting team,” Yamamoto said. “I’m just taking it pitch by pitch.”

Flaherty gave credit to his opponent.

“He got guys out and he executed. I’m not trying to take anything away from him,” Flaherty said. “He’s got two starts against us and he did some things that keep guys off balance. Nothing flashy. Nothing that’s going to make you jump out of your seat and go, ‘Wow.’

“He was effective. He did a really good job two times in a row against us. Hat’s off to him.”